Gunman robs Manatee mattress store

MANATEE -- A gunman robbed a Cortez Road mattress store Monday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

About 2:20 p.m., the suspect walked into American Mattress, 2115 Cortez Road, and laid on a few mattresses. He then went to the counter, pointed a gun at an employee and said, 'Give me the money," a news release states.

The suspect went behind the counter, opened the cash drawer and took an undisclosed amount of cash. He then fled north across Cortez Road and through the parking lot of a Home Depot store, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies used a K-9 dog to search the area, but the suspect was not located.

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The sheriff's office described the man as being in his 20s, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He was wearing a tan rag on his head, white shirt, a bright yellow reflective vest and black jeans. His weapon was described as a dark gray and black handgun.

Anyone with information about the robbery can call the sheriff's office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS.